Study of base oil migration in lubricating grease for rolling bearings - Observation of the state of grease by X-ray CT

摘要

To extend the grease life in rolling bearings, lubricating system with a grease reservoir is proposed. However, the mechanism of base oil migration in lubricating grease is not completely understood. In this study, to further improve the grease lubrication life, we attempted to clarify the mechanism of base oil migration by X-ray CT observation of the inner state of grease. As a result, we detected that some voids in grease increased with base oil migration and combined voids led to "grease cracks". Consequently, to further improve the grease lubrication life, controlling the grease connection in a grease reservoir is important.